OSCAR PREDICTIONS AND OSCAR NEWS

This period drama, based on the historical fiction of Margaret Irwin about the early years of England’s eventual Queen Elizabeth I, is handsomely mounted.

The story is told in flashbacks, starting with the day when King Henry VIII (Charles Laughton) sends away the future queen, young Bess (Jean Simmons), and executes her mother, Anne Boleyn (Elaine Stewart).

Years later, Henry VIII invites Bess to return to the palace to live with Catherine Parr (Deborah Kerr), her new stepmother. When the king dies, Bess’ young half-brother, Edward (Rex Thompson), assumes the title of regent.

Bess falls in love with the Navy’s top admiral, Thomas Seymour (Stewart Granger), but has her brother compel him to marry Catherine. After Catherine’s death, Thomas confesses his love to Bess. However, his scheming brother Ned (Guy Rolfe) finds out about Thomas’ feelings and accuses him of seducing Bess.

The film is well acted and handsomely shot by Charles Rosher.

This was the second time that Charles Laughton played the role of King Henry VIII; the first time was in 1933, winning the Best Actor Oscar for it.

Oscar Nominations: 2

Art Direction-Set Decoration (Color): Cedric Gibbons and Urie McCleary, Edwin B. Willis and Jack D. Moore.

Costume Design (Color): Walter Plunkett

Oscar Awards: None

Oscar Context:

The winner of the Art Direction was “The Robe,” which also won Costume Design Charles LeMaire and Emile Santiago.

Running time: 112 Minutes.

Directed by George Sidney.

Screenplay: Margaret Irwin, Jan Lustig.

Released: May 29, 1953.

DVD: July 20, 1994